The Unforgettable Fire

by U2

Overview

In many ways, U2 took their fondness for sonic bombast as far as it could go on War, so it isn't a complete surprise that they chose to explore the intricacies of the Edge's layered, effects-laden guitar on the follow-up, The Unforgettable Fire. Working with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, U2 created a dark, near-hallucinatory series of interlocking soundscapes that are occasionally punctuated by recognizable songs and melodies. In such a setting, the band both flourishes and flounders, creating some of their greatest music, as well as some of their worst. "Elvis Presley and America" may well be Bono's most embarrassing attempt at poetry, yet it is redeemed by the chilling and wonderful "Bad," a two-chord elegy for an addict that is stunning in its control and mastery. Similarly, the wet, shimmering textures of the title track, the charging "A Sort of Homecoming," and the surging Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute "Pride (In the Name of Love)" are all remarkable, ranking among U2's very best music, making the missteps that clutter the remainder of the album somewhat forgivable. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	11/10/2009
Label:	Island / Island/Universal
UPC:	0602517924161
Rank:	26755

Tracks

1. A Sort of Homecoming
2. Pride (In the Name of Love)
3. Wire
4. The Unforgettable Fire
5. Promenade
6. 4th of July
7. Bad
8. Indian Summer Sky
9. Elvis Presley & America
10. MLK

Album Credits

Performance Credits

U2   Primary Artist
Paul Barrett   Fairlight,Keyboards,Synthesizer
Larry Mullen, Jr.   Drums
The Edge   Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Vocals (Background)
Brian Eno   Vocals,Keyboards,Multi Instruments
Bono   Vocals,Lead Vocals
Peter Gabriel   Vocals
Adam Clayton   Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Daniel Lanois   Vocals,Multi Instruments
Clayton   Guitar (Bass)
Christine Kerr   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Kevin Killen   Mixing,Engineer
Kevin Moloney   Mixing,Engineer
Larry Mullen, Jr.   Composer
Tony Visconti   Producer
The Edge   Composer
U2   Mixing,Composer,Producer
Martin Hannett   Engineer,Producer
Randy Ezratty   Assistant Engineer
Anton Corbijn   Concept,Realization,Sleeve Design
Brian Eno   Arranger,Engineer,Producer,Treatments,Liner Notes,Instrumentation
Bono   Composer,Lyricist
Adam Clayton   Composer
Daniel Lanois   Engineer,Producer,Remixing,Treatments,Liner Notes,Instrumentation
Cheryl Engels   Research,Remastering Producer
Declan Gaffney   Engineer
Noel Kelehan   Arranger,String Arrangements
Joe O'Herlihy   Crew
Scott Sedillo   Remastering
Tom Mullally   Crew
Steve Iredale   Crew
Lord Henry Mountcharles   Crew
Thomas May "Beno"   Technical Support
Peter Williams   Crew
Colm Henry   Photography
Paul McGuinness   Management
Candida Bottaci   Production Coordination
Steve Averill   Concept,Cover Design,Art Direction,Sleeve Design
Dennis Sheahan   Crew
Gary Kelly   Package Design
Brian Celler   Production Coordination
Graeme Durham   Mastering
Anne-Louise Kelly   Management
Ellen Darst   Management
Tim Buckley   Crew
Steve Rainford   Crew
Slane Castle   Engineer